Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 8 of 9 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Defend Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by New Earth

Defend label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Defend against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Defend is a dietary supplement by New Earth with 9 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for general nutrition and energy, antioxidant support, cholesterol and metabolic health.Based on those ingredients, 663 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are organic Reishi Mushroom, organic Microalgae, Shiitake Mushroom. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Defend by New Earth

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Defend by New Earth — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
Prefer a human? Send your question to our licensed pharmacists — free, answered by email within 24 hours.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Defend by New Earth

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 23, 2026

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 9 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (1.30 Gram(s)) without saying how much of each component you get.

Defend contains nine active ingredients: organic microalgae (spirulina), astragalus root extract, beta glucan, organic reishi mushroom, organic maitake mushroom, organic agaricus blazei mushroom, organic turkey tail mushroom, organic cordyceps mushroom, and shiitake mushroom. These are a blend of traditional mushrooms and plant-derived compounds used in herbal and functional medicine.

The capsules also contain inactive ingredients—plant fiber and cellulose—as binders and fillers.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Responsive immune system support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Allergic rhinitis (hay fever), Asthma, Athletic performance, Bronchitis, Cancer, Cancer-related fatigue — and 4 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Cordyceps is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Athletic performance (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Maitake Mushroom is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Allergic rhinitis (hay fever), Laryngeal cancer, Pharyngeal cancer, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
  • Also on file: Cordyceps is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Asthma, Lung cancer.

The evidence for most of Defend's ingredients is limited or insufficient to establish their effectiveness for specific conditions. Beta glucan has the strongest rating: it's likely effective for lowering cholesterol (dyslipidemia) and reducing coronary heart disease risk.

Microalgae (spirulina) is possibly effective for high blood pressure (hypertension). For the remaining ingredients and claimed uses—including immune support, allergy relief, and cancer prevention—the data does not establish clear effectiveness in the files we hold.

If you're considering this product for a specific health goal, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what the evidence actually shows for your situation.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Blue-green Algae Astragalus Beta-glucans Reishi Mushroom Maitake Mushroom Agaricus Mushroom Cordyceps Shiitake Mushroom

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 8 of the 8 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 8 of 8.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 8 of 8.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

The mushroom and microalgae ingredients in Defend are generally well tolerated when used short-term, though long-term safety data is limited for several of them. The most common side effects are mild gastrointestinal effects—abdominal discomfort, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, and flatulence.

Rare allergic reactions (rash, itching, allergic contact dermatitis, and in one case anaphylaxis) have been reported with microalgae and some mushrooms. A critical safety concern: microalgae and agaricus mushroom products carry a contamination risk—some batches have contained heavy metals or toxins, and three cases of severe liver injury have been linked to agaricus mushroom supplements in cancer patients.

Quality varies widely across brands. For pregnancy and breastfeeding, there is insufficient data for microalgae and all mushroom ingredients—safety data advises against use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have liver disease.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Blue-green Algae Astragalus Beta-glucans Reishi Mushroom Maitake Mushroom Agaricus Mushroom Cordyceps Shiitake Mushroom

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 8 of the 8 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Maitake Mushroom, Cordyceps, Shiitake Mushroom, Reishi Mushroom, Blue-green Algae, among others.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 663 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking Defend, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any of the following: blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs) such as warfarin—maitake mushroom may increase their effect and bleeding risk; blood pressure medications—multiple ingredients may lower your pressure further; diabetes medications—several ingredients may increase the risk of low blood sugar; immunosuppressants—several ingredients may reduce their effectiveness; lithium—astragalus may increase its levels and side effects; or drugs metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP2D6 (ask your pharmacist if you're unsure)—shiitake mushroom may decrease their levels.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Defend is a blend of mushroom and algae ingredients that are generally well tolerated short-term but lack strong evidence of effectiveness for most claimed uses. The main concern is its interaction potential with blood pressure medications, diabetes drugs, blood thinners, immunosuppressants, and lithium.

If you take any prescription medications—especially anticoagulants, antidiabetes drugs, or immunosuppressants—check your specific medications with your pharmacist before starting. Avoid it during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data, and be aware of contamination risks with algae and mushroom products from less-established brands.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 8 of 9 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 23, 2022.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Defend, straight from the product label.

Brand New Earth
Net contents 90 Vegetarian Capsules
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 23, 2022
DSLD ID 271481
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Defend by New Earth, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
3 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
IngredientAmount% DV
organic Microalgae0 NP--
Calories5 Calorie(s)--
Total Carbohydrate1 Gram(s)1%
Proprietary Blend1.3 Gram(s)--
Astragalus root extract0 NP--
Beta Glucan0 NP--
organic Reishi Mushroom0 NP--
organic Maitake Mushroom0 NP--
organic Agaricus blazei Mushroom0 NP--
organic Turkey Tail Mushroom0 NP--
organic Cordyceps Mushroom0 NP--
Shiitake Mushroom0 NP--

Other ingredients: Plant Fiber, Cellulose

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation

Responsive Immune Support Medicinal mushrooms have been utilized for centuries to enhance the immune system. Defend is a proprietary blend of reishi, cordyceps, maitake, shiitake, turkey tail, and Agaricus blazei, six of the most extensively researched mushrooms that positively support the immune system, combined with astragalus, Wellmune (baker's yeast beta glucan), and organic Wild Microalgae. Defend your health today! Supports healthy immune function Helps the body resist stress

Product of USA

Formula

Proprietary blend of six premium mushrooms

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: 3 capsules each day. You may wish to adjust this amount based on individual needs.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Wellmune is a registered trademark of Kerry Group.

Copyright 2021 New Earth Life Sciences, Inc.

Storage

Keep in a cool, dry place.

General Statements

Please Recycle

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Defend by New Earth label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Defend label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Defend by New Earth

These are the 9 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size3 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Proprietary Blend

1.3 Gram(s) per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Plant Fiber, Cellulose. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Defend by New Earth Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Defend?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
663Drugs
655 Moderate 8 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

organic Reishi Mushroom 375
organic Microalgae 327
Shiitake Mushroom 312
Beta Glucan 293
organic Maitake Mushroom 260

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Defend interact with 663 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

8 of the 9 ingredients in Defend interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. organic Reishi Mushroom organic Microalgae Shiitake Mushroom Beta Glucan organic Maitake Mushroom organic Cordyceps Mushroom Astragalus root extract organic Agaricus blazei Mushroom

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Defend with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

organic Reishi Mushroom3 drug types · 375 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, high doses of reishi mushroom might increase the risk of bleeding.
A dose of 1.5 grams daily of reishi mushroom does not seem to decrease platelet aggregation, but a higher dose of 3 grams daily does.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, reishi mushroom might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research suggests that reishi mushroom decreases blood sugar. However, in patients with type 2 diabetes, taking reishi mushroom does not reduce fasting glucose levels, and its effects on glycated hemoglobin are inconsistent.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, concurrent use of reishi mushroom with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Reishi mushroom has shown hypotensive activity in animal research. Clinical evidence suggests that reishi mushroom reduces blood pressure in some, but not all, patients with hypertension.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
organic Reishi Mushroom full monograph & interactions

organic Microalgae3 drug types · 327 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, spirulina blue-green algae might increase the risk of bleeding if used with other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. However, this is unlikely.
Spirulina blue-green algae have shown antiplatelet and anticoagulant effects in vitro. However, one preliminary study in 24 patients receiving spirulina blue-green algae 2.3 grams daily for 2 weeks showed no effect on platelet activation or measures of clotting time.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking blue-green algae with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Human research shows that spirulina blue-green algae can have hypoglycemic effects in patients with diabetes, at least some of whom were using antidiabetes drugs. However, blue-green algae does not seem to improve glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in patients with diabetes. A meta-analysis of animal studies also suggests that spirulina blue-green algae have hypoglycemic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, concurrent use of blue-green algae might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Blue-green algae have been shown to stimulate the immune system.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
organic Microalgae full monograph & interactions

Shiitake Mushroom2 drug types · 312 drugs

Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, shiitake mushroom might decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro studies suggest that the shiitake mushroom extract AHCC might induce the CYP2D6 enzyme. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, taking shiitake mushroom might decrease the effects of immunosuppressive therapy.
In vitro evidence suggests that shiitake mushroom extracts stimulate immune function.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Shiitake Mushroom full monograph & interactions

Beta Glucan2 drug types · 293 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking beta-glucans with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Clinical research shows that taking beta-glucans may reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in some hypertensive individuals.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, beta-glucans might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Some clinical research shows that beta-glucans have immunostimulant effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Beta Glucan full monograph & interactions

organic Maitake Mushroom3 drug types · 260 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, combining maitake mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research shows that taking maitake mushroom polysaccharide (MMP) can lower blood glucose levels in patients with types 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, combining maitake mushroom with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research shows that maitake mushroom can lower blood pressure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

There is limited evidence that maitake mushroom may increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.
In a case report, a patient previously stabilized on warfarin developed an elevated international normalized ratio (INR) of 5.1 after taking maitake mushroom (Grifron-Pro Maitake D-Fraction) 1 drop/kg daily in three divided doses for one week. The elevated INR resolved after holding warfarin for two days, then reducing the dose by 11%. It is thought that the beta-glucan constituent of maitake mushroom might cause warfarin dissociation from proteins, resulting in increased free warfarin levels and increased warfarin effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
organic Maitake Mushroom full monograph & interactions

organic Cordyceps Mushroom3 drug types · 249 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, cordyceps may increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
In vitro and animal research suggests that cordyceps extract inhibits platelet aggregation and function. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, concurrent use of cordyceps might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Animal and in vitro research suggests that cordyceps stimulates the immune system. However, limited clinical research suggests that taking cordyceps may lower the necessary therapeutic dose of the immunosuppressant cyclosporine, which suggests that cordyceps may have an immunosuppressive effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Testosterone

Theoretically, concurrent use of cordyceps and testosterone might have additive effects.
Animal research suggests that cordyceps can increase testosterone levels. The clinical significance of this finding is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
organic Cordyceps Mushroom full monograph & interactions

Astragalus root extract4 drug types · 208 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking astragalus with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research in humans shows that astragalus might have hypoglycemic effects. Theoretically, taking astragalus, especially in combination with other hypoglycemic agents, might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Cyclophosphamide

Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with cyclophosphamide therapy.
Evidence regarding the effect of astragalus on immunosuppression caused by cyclophosphamide is conflicting. Some animal research suggests that astragalus reverses cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression. However, other animal research shows no effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Astragalus seems to stimulate immune function. Theoretically, taking astragalus might decrease the effects of immunosuppressive therapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, astragalus might increase levels and adverse effects of lithium.
Animal research suggests that astragalus has diuretic properties. Theoretically, due to this diuretic effect, astragalus might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Astragalus root extract full monograph & interactions

organic Agaricus blazei Mushroom1 drug type · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking agaricus mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
In one clinical study in patients with type 2 diabetes who are stabilized on conventional oral hypoglycemic agents, 3 of 29 patients taking an agaricus mushroom extract 500 mg three times daily for 12 weeks reported hypoglycemia, compared to one of 29 patients in the placebo group.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
organic Agaricus blazei Mushroom full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Defend, from the product label.

New Earth

See all New Earth products
Name
New Earth Life Sciences, Inc.
Street Address
565 Century Court
City
Klamath Falls
State
OR
ZipCode
97601
Phone Number
800.800.1300
Web Address
www.NewEarth.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Defend by New Earth: Common Questions

Does Defend by New Earth interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Defend has a known interaction with 663 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Defend contains 9 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is Defend safe to take while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The facts show insufficient safety data for the microalgae and mushroom ingredients during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The safety notes advise against using concentrated supplement doses in both situations. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding—they can help you decide what's right for you.
What are the most common side effects I might experience?
The most common side effects are mild gastrointestinal effects: abdominal discomfort, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, and flatulence. Rare allergic reactions—including rash, itching, and in one documented case anaphylaxis—have occurred with the algae and mushroom ingredients.
Does Defend actually work for immune support or general health?
The evidence we have is insufficient to establish that most of these ingredients are effective for immune support or general wellness. Beta glucan is likely effective for cholesterol and heart disease risk, and spirulina (microalgae) is possibly effective for high blood pressure, but the other mushroom ingredients lack established effectiveness in the data we hold.
What's the contamination risk I've heard about with supplements like this?
Microalgae and mushroom products can vary widely in quality, and some batches have been contaminated with heavy metals or toxins. Additionally, three cases of severe liver injury have been reported in people taking agaricus mushroom supplements—a serious and rare but real concern. Buying from reputable brands and checking for third-party testing may help reduce this risk.
Are there any ingredients in Defend I should know more about?
One ingredient, organic Turkey Tail Mushroom, has no interaction data on file—we couldn't check it for drug interactions. For the other eight ingredients, we have documented interactions with multiple medication types, so it's important to discuss this product with your pharmacist if you take any regular medications.
How long does it take for Defend to work?
The safety data addresses short-term use and adverse effects, but the facts don't specify how long you'd need to take it to see any benefit. Because evidence for most ingredients is insufficient or limited, it's worth asking your doctor or pharmacist what timeline to expect for any specific health goal.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Defend is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Defend label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Defend’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Blue-green Algae

Interacts with 327 drugs

Blue-green algae are nutrient-rich aquatic microorganisms (such as spirulina and Klamath Lake algae) taken as a supplement for energy, nutrition, and general wellness. Evidence for most heal...

Read the full Blue-green Algae monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Astragalus

Interacts with 208 drugs

Astragalus is a root used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, mainly to support the immune system and help the body cope with stress. While early studies are interesting, strong h...

Read the full Astragalus monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Beta-glucans

Interacts with 293 drugs

Beta-glucans are natural fibers found in oats, barley, mushrooms, and yeast. The strongest evidence supports the oat and barley types for modestly lowering cholesterol and blood sugar, while...

Read the full Beta-glucans monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Reishi Mushroom

Interacts with 375 drugs

Reishi is a traditional Asian mushroom widely used to support the immune system and overall wellness. Human evidence for most of its claimed benefits is limited or low-quality, so it should...

Read the full Reishi Mushroom monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Maitake Mushroom

Interacts with 260 drugs

Maitake is an edible mushroom long used as food and in traditional Japanese medicine, and it is being studied for possible immune, blood sugar, and blood pressure effects. The human evidence...

Read the full Maitake Mushroom monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Agaricus Mushroom

Interacts with 86 drugs

Agaricus mushroom (often Agaricus blazei/subrufescens) is a culinary and medicinal mushroom studied mostly for possible immune and antioxidant effects. The human evidence is limited and not...

Read the full Agaricus Mushroom monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Cordyceps

Interacts with 249 drugs

Cordyceps is a fungus used in traditional Chinese medicine for energy, exercise performance, and lung and immune support. Human research is limited and mostly low quality, so its benefits ar...

Read the full Cordyceps monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Shiitake Mushroom

Interacts with 312 drugs

Shiitake is a popular edible mushroom that is nutritious and safe to eat as food for most people. Some of its extracts (like lentinan and AHCC) have been studied as immune support, mainly al...

Read the full Shiitake Mushroom monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Defend's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 157 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Blue-green Algae 22 references
  1. Jensen GS, Ginsberg DJ, Huerta P, et al. Consumption of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae has rapid effects on the circulation and function of immune cells in humans. A novel approach to nutritional mobilization of the immune system. JANA 2000;2:50-6.
  2. Iwasa M, Yamamoto M, Tanaka Y, et al. Spirulina-associated hepatotoxicity. Am J Gastroenterol 2002;97:3212-13. PubMed
  3. Hayashi O, Katoh T, Okuwaki Y. Enhancement of antibody production in mice by dietary Spirulina platensis. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 1994;40:431-41.. PubMed
  4. Vitale S, Miller NR, Mejico LJ, et al. A randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial of super blue-green algae in patients with essential blepharospasm or Meige syndrome. Am J Ophthalmol 2004;138:18-32. PubMed
  5. Mani UV, Desai S, Iyer U. Studies on the long-term effect of spirulina supplementation on serum lipid profile and glycated proteins in NIDDM patients. J Nutraceut 2000;2(3):25-32. DOI
  6. Chiu HF, Yang SP, Kuo YL, et al. Mechanisms involved in the antiplatelet effect of C-phycocyanin. Br J Nutr 2006;95:435-40. PubMed
  7. Hsiao G, Chou PH, Shen MY, et al. C-phycocyanin, a very potent and novel platelet aggregation inhibitor from Spirulina platensis. J Agric Food Chem 2005;53:7734-40.
  8. Katz M, Levine AA, Kol-Degani H, Kav-Venaki L. A compound herbal preparation (CHP) in the treatment of children with ADHD: a randomized controlled trial. J Atten Disord 2010;14:281-91. PubMed
  9. Madhyastha, H. K., Radha, K. S., Sugiki, M., Omura, S., and Maruyama, M. Purification of c-phycocyanin from Spirulina fusiformis and its effect on the induction of urokinase-type plasminogen activator from calf pulmonary endothelial cells. Phytomedicine PubMed
  10. Mazokopakis, E. E., Karefilakis, C. M., Tsartsalis, A. N., Milkas, A. N., and Ganotakis, E. S. Acute rhabdomyolysis caused by Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis). Phytomedicine. 2008;15(6-7):525-527. PubMed
  11. Halidou, Doudou M., Degbey, H., Daouda, H., Leveque, A., Donnen, P., Hennart, P., and Dramaix-Wilmet, M. [The effect of spiruline during nutritional rehabilitation: systematic review]. Rev.Epidemiol.Sante Publique 2008;56(6):425-431.
  12. Konno, T., Umeda, Y., Umeda, M., Kawachi, I., Oyake, M., and Fujita, N. [A case of inflammatory myopathy with widely skin rash following use of supplements containing Spirulina]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 2011;51(5):330-333. PubMed
  13. Le TM, Knulst AC, Röckmann H. Anaphylaxis to Spirulina confirmed by skin prick test with ingredients of Spirulina tablets. Food Chem Toxicol 2014;74:309-10. PubMed
  14. Rzymski P, Niedzielski P, Kaczmarek N, Jurczak T, Klimaszyk P. The multidisciplinary approach to safety and toxicity assessment of microalgae-based food supplements following clinical cases of poisoning. Harmful Algae 2015;46:34-42. DOI
  15. Petrus M, Culerrier R, Campistron M, et al. First case report of anaphylaxis to spirulin: identification of phycocyanin as responsible allergen. Allergy 2010;65(7):924-5. PubMed
  16. Marles RJ, Barrett ML, Barnes J, et al. United States Pharmacopeia safety evaluation of spirulina. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2011;51(7):593-604. PubMed
  17. Majdoub H, Ben Mansour M, Chaubet F, et al. Anticoagulant activity of a sulfated polysaccharide from the green alga Arthrospira platensis. Biochim Biophys Acta 2009;1790(10):1377-81. PubMed
  18. Cha BG, Kwak HW, Park AR, et al. Structural characteristics and biological performance of silk fibroin nanofiber containing microalgae spirulina extract. Biopolymers 2014;101(4):307-18. PubMed
  19. Jensen GS, Drapeau C, Lenninger M, Benson KF. Clinical safety of a high dose of phycocyanin-enriched aqueous extract from Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis: results from a randomized, double-Blind, placebo-controlled study with a focus on anticoagulant ac
  20. Hamedifard Z, Milajerdi A, Reiner Z, Taghizadeh M, Kolahdooz F, Asemi Z. The effects of spirulina on glycemic control and serum lipoproteins in patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized con
  21. Moradi S, Zobeiri M, Feizi A, Clark CCT, Entezari MH. The effects of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) supplementation on anthropometric indices, blood pressure, sleep quality, mental health, fatigue status and quality of life in patients with ulcerative
  22. Ghanbari F, Amerizadeh A, Behshood P, Moradi S, Asgary S. Effect of microalgae arthrospira on biomarkers of glycemic control and glucose metabolism: a systematic Review and meta-analysis. Curr Probl Cardiol 2022;47(10):100942. PubMed

See these in context on the Blue-green Algae monograph →

Astragalus 13 references
  1. Upton R, ed. Astragalus Root: Analytical, quality control, and therapeutic monograph. Santa Cruz, CA: American Herbal Pharmacopoeia. 1999:1-25.
  2. Khoo KS, Ang PT. Extract of astragalus membranaceus and ligustrum lucidum does not prevent cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression. Singapore Med J 1995;36:387-90.
  3. Chu DT, Wong WL, Mavligit GM. Immunotherapy with Chinese medicinal herbs. II. Reversal of cyclophosphamide-induced immune suppression by administration of fractionated Astragalus membranaceus in vivo. J Clin Lab Immunol 1988;25:125-9.
  4. Sun Y, Hersh EM, Lee SL, et al. Preliminary observations on the effects of the Chinese medicinal herbs Astragalus membranaceus and Ligustrum lucidum on lymphocyte blastogenic responses. J Biol Response Mod 1983;2:227-37..
  5. Ma J, Peng A, Lin S. Mechanisms of the therapeutic effect of astragalus membranaceus on sodium and water retention in experimental heart failure. Chin Med J (Engl) 1998;111:17-23.
  6. Matkovic Z, Zivkovic V, Korica M, et al. Efficacy and safety of Astragalus membranaceus in the treatment of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Phytother Res 2010;24:175-81.
  7. Zhang, J. G., Yang, N., He, H., Wei, G. H., Gao, D. S., Wang, X. L., Wang, X. Z., and Song, G. Y. [Effect of Astragalus injection on plasma levels of apoptosis-related factors in aged patients with chronic heart failure.]. Chin J Integr.Med 2005;11(3):18 PubMed
  8. Chen, H. W., Lin, I. H., Chen, Y. J., Chang, K. H., Wu, M. H., Su, W. H., Huang, G. C., and Lai, Y. L. A novel infusible botanically-derived drug, PG2, for cancer-related fatigue: a phase II double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study. Clin Invest PubMed
  9. Tian H, Lu J, He H, et al.The effect of Astragalus as an adjuvant treatment in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A (preliminary) meta-analysis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2016;191:206-215. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.05.062. PubMed
  10. Hong KF, Liu PY, Zhang W, Gui DK, Xu YH. The Efficacy and Safety of Astragalus as an Adjuvant Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Integr Complement Med 2023. PubMed
  11. Chan KW, Kwong ASK, Tsui PN, et al. Add-on astragalus in type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease: A multi-center, assessor-blind, randomized controlled trial. Phytomedicine 2024;130:155457. PubMed
  12. Han X, Yu T, Chen X, Du Z, Yu M, Xiong J. Effect of Astragalus membranaceus on left ventricular remodeling in HFrEF: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol 2024;15:1345797. PubMed
  13. Jing P, Hongzheng H, Zhenqi WU, Meijuan Z, Zuojing LI, Gang C. Long-term efficacy and safety of Huangqi ()-based Traditional Chinese Medicine in diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Tradit Chin Med 2024;44(2):

See these in context on the Astragalus monograph →

Beta-glucans 11 references
  1. Katz, D. L., Nawaz, H., Boukhalil, J., Giannamore, V., Chan, W., Ahmadi, R., and Sarrel, P. M. Acute effects of oats and vitamin E on endothelial responses to ingested fat. Am.J.Prev.Med. 2001;20(2):124-129. PubMed
  2. Keenan, J. M., Pins, J. J., Frazel, C., Moran, A., and Turnquist, L. Oat ingestion reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with mild or borderline hypertension: a pilot trial. J.Fam.Pract. 2002;51(4):369.
  3. Maki, K. C., Galant, R., Samuel, P., Tesser, J., Witchger, M. S., Ribaya-Mercado, J. D., Blumberg, J. B., and Geohas, J. Effects of consuming foods containing oat beta-glucan on blood pressure, carbohydrate metabolism and biomarkers of oxidative stress i
  4. Bergendiova, K., Tibenska, E., and Majtan, J. Pleuran (beta-glucan from Pleurotus ostreatus) supplementation, cellular immune response and respiratory tract infections in athletes. Eur.J.Appl.Physiol 2011;111(9):2033-2040.
  5. Talbott S, Talbott J. Effect of beta 1,3/1,6 glucan on respiratory tract infection symptoms and mood state in marathon athletes. J Sports Sci Med 2009;8(4):509-515.
  6. Feldman S, Schwartz HI Kalman DS Mayers A Kohrman HM Clemens R Krieger DR. Randomized phase II clinical trials of Wellmune WGP® for immune support during cold and flu season. The Journal of Applied Research 2009;9(1-2):30-42.
  7. McFarlin BK, Carpenter KC, Davidson T, McFarlin MA. Baker's yeast beta glucan supplementation increases salivary IgA and decreases cold/flu symptomatic days after intense exercise. J Diet Suppl. 2013;10(3):171-83. PubMed
  8. Jesenak M, Urbancek S, Majtan J, Banovcin P, Hercogova J. ß-Glucan-based cream (containing pleuran isolated from pleurotus ostreatus) in supportive treatment of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis. J Dermatolog Treat 2016;27(4):351-4.
  9. Mah E, Kaden VN, Kelley KM, Liska DJ. Beverage containing dispersible yeast ß-glucan decreases cold/flu symptomatic days after intense exercise: a randomized controlled trial. J Diet Suppl 2020;17(2):200-10. PubMed
  10. Zhong K, Liu Z, Lu Y, Xu X. Effects of yeast ß-glucans for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infection in healthy subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Nutr. 2021. PubMed
  11. Cardenas FI, Mauguen A, Cheung IY, et al. Phase I trial of oral yeast-derived ß-glucan to enhance anti-GD2 immunotherapy of resistant high-risk neuroblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021;13(24):6265. PubMed

See these in context on the Beta-glucans monograph →

Reishi Mushroom 17 references
  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  2. Tao J, Feng KY. Experimental and clinical studies on inhibitory effect of ganoderma lucidum on platelet aggregation. J Tongji Med Univ 1990;10:240-3. PubMed
  3. Singh AB, Gupta SK, Pereira BM, Prakash D. Sensitization to Ganoderma lucidum in patients with respiratory allergy in India. Clin Exp Allergy 1995;25:440-7.
  4. Lee SY, Rhee HM. Cardiovascular effects of mycelium extract of Ganoderma lucidum: inhibition of sympathetic outflow as a mechanism of its hypotensive action. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 1990;38:1359-64. PubMed
  5. Kwok Y, Ng KFJ, Li, CCF, et al. A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the platelet and global hemostatic effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Ling-Zhi) in healthy volunteers. Anesth Analg 2005;101:423-6. PubMed
  6. Wanmuang, H., Leopairut, J., Kositchaiwat, C., Wananukul, W., and Bunyaratvej, S. Fatal fulminant hepatitis associated with Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi) mushroom powder. J Med Assoc Thai. 2007;90(1):179-181.
  7. Seto, S. W., Lam, T. Y., Tam, H. L., Au, A. L., Chan, S. W., Wu, J. H., Yu, P. H., Leung, G. P., Ngai, S. M., Yeung, J. H., Leung, P. S., Lee, S. M., and Kwan, Y. W. Novel hypoglycemic effects of Ganoderma lucidum water-extract in obese/diabetic (+db/+db
  8. Chu, T. T., Benzie, I. F., Lam, C. W., Fok, B. S., Lee, K. K., and Tomlinson, B. Study of potential cardioprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): results of a controlled human intervention trial. Br.J.Nutr. 2012;107(7):1017-1027.
  9. Jin, X., Ruiz, Beguerie J., Sze, D. M., and Chan, G. C. Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. 2012;6:CD007731.
  10. Kabir, Y., Kimura, S., and Tamura, T. Dietary effect of Ganoderma lucidum mushroom on blood pressure and lipid levels in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). J Nutr Sci Vitaminol.(Tokyo) 1988;34(4):433-438. PubMed
  11. Kanmatsuse, K., Kajiwara, N., Hayashi, K., Shimogaichi, S., Fukinbara, I., Ishikawa, H., and Tamura, T. [Studies on Ganoderma lucidum. I. Efficacy against hypertension and side effects]. Yakugaku Zasshi 1985;105(10):942-947. PubMed
  12. Gao, Y., Lan, J., Dai, X., Ye, J., and Zhou, S. A Phase I/II Study of Ling Zhi Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum(W.Curt: Fr.) Lloyd (Aphyllophoromycetideae) Extract in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms 2004;6. DOI
  13. Jin H, Zhang G, Cao X, and et al. Treatment of hypertension by linzhi combined with hypotensor and its effects on arterial, arteriolar and capillary pressure and microcirculation. In: Niimi H, Xiu RJ, Sawada T, and et al. Microcirculatory Approach to Asi
  14. Klupp NL, Chang D, Hawke F, Kiat H, Cao H, Grant SJ, Bensoussan A. Ganoderma lucidum mushroom for the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 Feb 17;2:CD007259. PubMed
  15. Zhao H, Zhang Q, Zhao L, Huang X, Wang J, Kang X. Spore Powder of Ganoderma lucidum Improves Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Endocrine Therapy: A Pilot Clinical Trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:809614.
  16. Pazzi F, Adsuar JC, Domínguez-Muñoz FJ, García-Gordillo MA, Gusi N, Collado-Mateo D. Ganoderma lucidum effects on mood and health-related quality of life in women with fibromyalgia. Healthcare (Basel) 2020;8(4):520. PubMed
  17. Kogure T, Koiwai A, Fukushi D, et al. Hypereosinophilia with hepatic nodule formation caused by Ganoderma lucidum. Intern Med 2021;60(24):3897-3903.

See these in context on the Reishi Mushroom monograph →

Maitake Mushroom 8 references
  1. Kabir Y, Kimura S. Dietary mushrooms reduce blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 1989;35:91-4. PubMed
  2. Kabir Y, Yamaguchi M, Kimura S. Effect of shiitake (Lentinus edodes) and maitake (Grifola frondosa) mushrooms on blood pressure and plasma lipids of spontaneously hypertensive rats. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 1987;33:341-6. PubMed
  3. Konno S, Tortorelis DG, Fullerton SA, et al. A possible hypoglycaemic effect of maitake mushroom on Type 2 diabetic patients. Diabet Med 2001;18:1010. PubMed
  4. Chen JT, Tominaga K, Sato Y, et al. Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) extract induces ovulation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a possible monotherapy and a combination therapy after failure with first-line clomiphene citrate. J Altern Compl
  5. Hanselin MR, Vande Griend JP, Linnebur SA. INR elevation with maitake extract in combination with warfarin. Ann Pharmacother 2010;44:223-4. PubMed
  6. Talpur, N. A., Echard, B. W., Fan, A. Y., Jaffari, O., Bagchi, D., and Preuss, H. G. Antihypertensive and metabolic effects of whole Maitake mushroom powder and its fractions in two rat strains. Mol.Cell Biochem. 2002;237(1-2):129-136. PubMed
  7. Deng, G., Lin, H., Seidman, A., Fornier, M., D'Andrea, G., Wesa, K., Yeung, S., Cunningham-Rundles, S., Vickers, A. J., and Cassileth, B. A phase I/II trial of a polysaccharide extract from Grifola frondosa (Maitake mushroom) in breast cancer patients: i
  8. Wesa KM, Cunningham-Rundles S, Klimek VM, et al. Maitake mushroom extract in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS): a phase II study. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2015;64(2):237-47. PubMed

See these in context on the Maitake Mushroom monograph →

Agaricus Mushroom 5 references
  1. Hsu CH, Liao YL, Lin SC, et al. The mushroom Agaricus Blazei Murill in combination with metformin and gliclazide improves insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Altern Complement Med 2
  2. Mukai H, Watanabe T, Ando M, Katsumata N. An alternative medicine, Agaricus blazei, may have induced severe hepatic dysfunction in cancer patients. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2006;36:808-10. PubMed
  3. Ohno S, Sumiyoshi Y, Hashine K, et al. Phase I clinical study of the dietary supplement, Agaricus blazei Murill, in cancer patients in remission. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2011, doi 10.1155/2011/192381.
  4. Suehiro M, Katoh N, Kishimoto S. Chelitis due to Agaricus blazei Murill mushroom extract. Contact Dermatitis 2007;56(5):293-4.
  5. Iwai N, Okuda T, Sawada R, et al. Interstitial lung disease associated with Agaricus blazei Murill in a patient with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma receiving gemcitabine-based therapy. Case Rep Gastroenterol 2022;16(1):229-234.

See these in context on the Agaricus Mushroom monograph →

Cordyceps 14 references
  1. Zhu JS, Halpern GM, Jones K. The scientific rediscovery of an ancient Chinese herbal medicine: Cordyceps sinensis: part I. J Altern Complement Med 1998;4:289-303.
  2. Zhu JS, Halpern GM, Jones K. The scientific rediscovery of a precious ancient Chinese herbal regimen: Cordyceps sinensis: part II. J Altern Complement Med 1998;4:429-57.
  3. Chen YJ, Shiao MS, Lee SS, Wang SY. Effect of Cordyceps sinensis on the proliferation and differentiation of human leukemic U937 cells. Life Sci 1997;60:2349-59. PubMed
  4. Zhao Y. [Inhibitory effects of alcoholic extract of Cordyceps sinensis on abdominal aortic thrombus formation in rabbits]. Chung Hua I Hsueh Tsa Chih (Taipei) 1991;71:612-5, 42.
  5. Chen GZ, Chen GL, Sun T, et al. Effects of Cordyceps sinensis on murine T lymphocyte subsets. Chin Med J (English) 1991;104:4-8.
  6. Zhu XY, Yu HY. [Immunosuppressive effect of cultured Cordyceps sinensis on cellular immune response]. Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih 1990;10:485-7, 454.
  7. Hsu, C. C., Huang, Y. L., Tsai, S. J., Sheu, C. C., and Huang, B. M. In vivo and in vitro stimulatory effects of Cordyceps sinensis on testosterone production in mouse Leydig cells. Life Sci 9-5-2003;73(16):2127-2136. PubMed
  8. Ikumoto, T., Sasaki, S., Namba, H., Toyama, R., Moritoki, H., and Mouri, T. [Physiologically active compounds in the extracts from tochukaso and cultured mycelia of Cordyceps and Isaria]. Yakugaku Zasshi 1991;111(9):504-509. PubMed
  9. Wu, T. N., Yang, K. C., Wang, C. M., Lai, J. S., Ko, K. N., Chang, P. Y., and Liou, S. H. Lead poisoning caused by contaminated Cordyceps, a Chinese herbal medicine: two case reports. Sci.Total Environ. 4-5-1996;182(1-3):193-195. PubMed
  10. Hong T, Zhang M, Fan J. Cordyceps sinensis (a traditional Chinese medicine) for kidney transplant recipients (Review). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(10):CD009698. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD009698.pub2.
  11. Zhang HW, Lin ZX, Tung YS, Kwan TH, Mok CK, Leung C, Chan LS. Cordyceps sinensis (a traditional Chinese medicine) for treating chronic kidney disease (Review). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;(12):CD008353. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD008353.pub2. PubMed
  12. Bee Yean O, Zoriah A. Efficacy of Cordyceps sinensis as an adjunctive treatment in hemodialysis patients: a systematic review and Meta-analysis. J Tradit Chin Med. 2019;39(1):1-14.
  13. Thurian D, Montani M, Stickel F. Drug-induced, mixed-type hepatitis following ingestion of Cordyceps sinensis. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 2022;60(2):115-120. PubMed
  14. Yu X, Mao Y, Shergis JL, et al. Effectiveness and safety of oral Cordyceps sinensis on stable COPD of GOLD stages 2-3: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:4903671.

See these in context on the Cordyceps monograph →

Shiitake Mushroom 67 references
  1. Hitosugi M, Kitamura O, Takatsu A, Yoshino Y. Autopsy case of duodenal obstruction from impacted mushroom. J Gastroenterol 1998;33:562-5. PubMed
  2. Hanada K, Hashimoto I. Flagellate mushroom (Shiitake) dermatitis and photosensitivity. Dermatol 1998;197:255-7. PubMed
  3. Levy AM, Kita H, Phillips SF, et al. Eosinophilia and gastrointestinal symptoms after ingestion of shiitake mushrooms. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1998;101:613-20. PubMed
  4. Murakami M, Kawabe K, Hosoi Y, et al. Decreased pulmonary perfusion in hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by Shiitake mushroom spores. J Intern Med 1997;241:85-8. PubMed
  5. Matsui S, Nakazawa T, Umegae Y, Mori M. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis induced by Shiitake mushroom spores. Intern Med 1992;31:1204-6.
  6. Nakamura T. Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis 1992;27:65-70.
  7. Ueda A, Obama K, Aoyama K, et al. Allergic contact dermatitis in shiitake (Lentinus edodes (Berk) Sing) growers. Contact Dermatitis 1992;26:228-33.
  8. Burikhanov, R. B., Wakame, K., Igarashi, Y., Wang, S., and Matsuzaki, S. Suppressive effect of active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) on thymic apoptosis induced by dexamethasone in the rat. Endocr.Regul. 2000;34(4):181-188.
  9. Gao, Y., Zhang, D., Sun, B., Fujii, H., Kosuna, K., and Yin, Z. Active hexose correlated compound enhances tumor surveillance through regulating both innate and adaptive immune responses. Cancer Immunol.Immunother. 2006;55(10):1258-1266. PubMed
  10. Ritz, B. W., Nogusa, S., Ackerman, E. A., and Gardner, E. M. Supplementation with active hexose correlated compound increases the innate immune response of young mice to primary influenza infection. J Nutr. 2006;136(11):2868-2873. PubMed
  11. Aviles, H., O'Donnell, P., Sun, B., and Sonnenfeld, G. Active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) enhances resistance to infection in a mouse model of surgical wound infection. Surg.Infect.(Larchmt.) 2006;7(6):527-535. PubMed
  12. Spierings, E. L., Fujii, H., Sun, B., and Walshe, T. A Phase I study of the safety of the nutritional supplement, active hexose correlated compound, AHCC, in healthy volunteers. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol.(Tokyo) 2007;53(6):536-539. PubMed
  13. Aviles, H., O'Donnell, P., Orshal, J., Fujii, H., Sun, B., and Sonnenfeld, G. Active hexose correlated compound activates immune function to decrease bacterial load in a murine model of intramuscular infection. Am J Surg. 2008;195(4):537-545. PubMed
  14. Ritz, B. W. Supplementation with active hexose correlated compound increases survival following infectious challenge in mice. Nutr.Rev. 2008;66(9):526-531. PubMed
  15. Terakawa, N., Matsui, Y., Satoi, S., Yanagimoto, H., Takahashi, K., Yamamoto, T., Yamao, J., Takai, S., Kwon, A. H., and Kamiyama, Y. Immunological effect of active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) in healthy volunteers: a double-blind, placebo-controll
  16. Mach, C. M., Fugii, H., Wakame, K., and Smith, J. Evaluation of active hexose correlated compound hepatic metabolism and potential for drug interactions with chemotherapy agents. J Soc Integr.Oncol. 2008;6(3):105-109.
  17. Wang, S., Welte, T., Fang, H., Chang, G. J., Born, W. K., O'Brien, R. L., Sun, B., Fujii, H., Kosuna, K., and Wang, T. Oral administration of active hexose correlated compound enhances host resistance to West Nile encephalitis in mice. J Nutr. 2009;139(3 PubMed
  18. Sumiyoshi, Y., Hashine, K., Kakehi, Y., Yoshimura, K., Satou, T., Kuruma, H., Namiki, S., and Shinohara, N. Dietary administration of mushroom mycelium extracts in patients with early stage prostate cancers managed expectantly: a phase II study. Jpn.J Cl PubMed
  19. Yin, Z., Fujii, H., and Walshe, T. Effects of active hexose correlated compound on frequency of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells producing interferon-gamma and/or tumor necrosis factor-alpha in healthy adults. Hum.Immunol. 2010;71(12):1187-1190.
  20. Lee, W. W., Lee, N., Fujii, H., and Kang, I. Active Hexose Correlated Compound promotes T helper (Th) 17 and 1 cell responses via inducing IL-1beta production from monocytes in humans. Cell Immunol. 2012;275(1-2):19-23.
  21. Daddaoua, A., Martinez-Plata, E., Ortega-Gonzalez, M., Ocon, B., Aranda, C. J., Zarzuelo, A., Suarez, M. D., de Medina, F. S., and Martinez-Augustin, O. The nutritional supplement Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) has direct immunomodulatory actio
  22. Roman, B. E., Beli, E., Duriancik, D. M., and Gardner, E. M. Short-term supplementation with active hexose correlated compound improves the antibody response to influenza B vaccine. Nutr Res. 2013;33(1):12-17. PubMed
  23. Uno, K., Kosuna, K., Sun, B., Fujii, H., Wakame, K., Chikumaru, S., Hosokawa, G., and Ueda, Y. Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) Improves Immunological Parameters and Performance Status of Patients with Solid Tumors. Biotherapy 2000;14(3):303-309.
  24. Ghoneum, M., Wimbley, M., Salem, F., McKlain, A., Attallah, N., and Gill, G. Immunomodulatory and anticancer effects of active hexose correlated compound (AHCC). Int J Immunother 1995;11:23-28.
  25. Thaiudom, S., Piyaniran, W., and Chutaputthi, A. A study of the efficacy of Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) in the treatment of chronic Hepatitis C patients at Phramongkutklao Hospital. The Medical News (Thailand) 2010;325:13-16.
  26. Smith, J. A., Hunter, R. J., Fujii, H., Wakame, K., and Wolf, J. Defining Synergistic Activity ofthe Combination of Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) with Liposomal Doxorubicin (Doxil). Presented at the 18th International Congress on Nutrition and
  27. Sia, G. M. and Candlish, J. K. Effects of shiitake (Lentinus edodes) extract on human neutrophils and the U937 monocytic cell line. Phytother.Res. 1999;13(2):133-137. DOI
  28. Fujiwara, K., Sato, T., Yonei, T., Genba, K., Nogami, N., and Yamadori, I. [A case of chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis induced by shiitake mushroom spores]. Nihon Kokyuki.Gakkai Zasshi 2000;38(12):908-913.
  29. Lippert, U., Martin, V., Schwertfeger, C., Junghans, V., Ellinghaus, B., and Fuchs, T. Shiitake dermatitis. Br.J Dermatol. 2003;148(1):178-179.
  30. Lobanok, A. G., Babitskaia, V. G., Plenina, L. V., Puchkova, T. A., and Osadchaia, O. V. [Composition and biological activity of submerged mycelium of the xylotrophic basidiomycete Lentinus edodes]. Prikl.Biokhim.Mikrobiol. 2003;39(1):69-73. DOI
  31. Curnow, P. and Tam, M. Contact dermatitis to Shiitake mushroom. Australas.J.Dermatol. 2003;44(2):155-157. PubMed
  32. Mak, R. K. and Wakelin, S. H. Shiitake dermatitis: the first case reported from a European country. Br J Dermatol 2006;154(4):800-801. PubMed
  33. Sastre, J., Ibanez, M. D., Lopez, M., and Lehrer, S. B. Respiratory and immunological reactions among Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) mushroom workers. Clin.Exp.Allergy 1990;20(1):13-19.
  34. Liu, M., Li, J., Kong, F., Lin, J., and Gao, Y. Induction of immunomodulating cytokines by a new polysaccharide-peptide complex from culture mycelia of Lentinus edodes. Immunopharmacology 1998;40(3):187-198. PubMed
  35. Ade R, Sukut C, Wiser HJ, Shockman S, Buescher L. Shiitake dermatitis demonstrating Köebner phenomenon. Int J Dermatol. 2015;54(5):e179-81.
  36. Adler MJ, Larsen WG. Clinical variability of shiitake dermatitis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2012 Oct;67(4):e140-1. PubMed
  37. Adriano AR, Acosta ML, Azulay DR, Quiroz CD, Talarico SR. Shiitake dermatitis: the first case reported in Brazil. An Bras Dermatol. 2013 May-Jun;88(3):417-9. PubMed
  38. Ampere A, Delhaes L, Soots J, Bart F, Wallaert B. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis induced by Shiitake mushroom spores. Med Mycol. 2012 Aug;50(6):654-7. PubMed
  39. Baran W, Batycka-Baran A, Maj J, Szepietowski JC. Shiitake dermatitis - now also in Poland. Acta Derm Venereol. 2015 Jan;95(1):102-3. PubMed
  40. Boels D, Landreau A, Bruneau C, et al. Shiitake dermatitis recorded by French Poison Control Centers - new case series with clinical observations. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2014 Jul;52(6):625-8. PubMed
  41. Chu EY, Anand D, Dawn A, Elenitsas R, Adler DJ. Shiitake dermatitis: a report of 3 cases and review of the literature. Cutis. 2013 Jun;91(6):287-90.
  42. Corazza M, Zauli S, Ricci M, et al. Shiitake dermatitis: toxic or allergic reaction? J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2015 Jul;29(7):1449-51. PubMed
  43. Czarnecka AB, Kreft B, Marsch WCh. Flagellate dermatitis after consumption of Shiitake mushrooms. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2014 Jun;31(3):187-90. PubMed
  44. Dai X, Stanilka JM, Rowe CA, et al. Consuming Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) Mushrooms Daily Improves Human Immunity: A Randomized Dietary Intervention in Healthy Young Adults. J Am Coll Nutr. 2015;34(6):478-87.
  45. Hamer SE, Kulkarni K, Cohen SN. Shiitake dermatitis with oral ulceration and pustules. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2015 Apr;40(3):332-3. PubMed
  46. Hiernickel C, Metz S, Elsner P. Shiitake dermatitis: an impressive case report. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2015 May;13(5):455-6. PubMed
  47. Karanovic S, George S, Topham E. Don't miss shiitake dermatitis: a case report. Br J Gen Pract. 2014 Aug;64(625):426-7. PubMed
  48. Kopp T, Mastan P, Mothes N, Tzaneva S, Stingl G, Tanew A. Systemic allergic contact dermatitis due to consumption of raw shiitake mushroom. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2009 Dec;34(8):e910-3. PubMed
  49. Lingström P, Zaura E, Hassan H, et al. The anticaries effect of a food extract (shiitake) in a short-term clinical study. J Biomed Biotechnol. 2012;2012:217164. PubMed
  50. Loo HV, Oon HH. Flagellate dermatitis following consumption of shiitake mushroom. Dermatol Reports. 2011 Oct 5;3(2):e21. PubMed
  51. Luber AJ, Ackerman LS. Flagellate shiitake mushroom dermatitis. Dermatol Online J. 2015 Aug 15;21(8). pii: 13030/qt7rm57553. DOI
  52. Mendonça CN, Silva PM, Avelleira JC, Nishimori FS, Cassia Fde F. Shiitake dermatitis. An Bras Dermatol. 2015 Mar-Apr;90(2):276-8.
  53. Netchiporouk E, Pehr K, Ben-Shoshan M, Billick RC, Sasseville D, Singer M. Pustular flagellate dermatitis after consumption of shiitake mushrooms. JAAD Case Rep. 2015 May 2;1(3):117-9. PubMed
  54. Nguyen AH, Gonzaga MI, Lim VM, Adler MJ, Mitkov MV, Cappel MA. Clinical features of shiitake dermatitis: a systematic review. Int J Dermatol. 2017 Jun;56(6):610-616. PubMed
  55. Poppe LM, Anders D, Kneitz H, Bröcker EB, Benoit S. Flagellate dermatitis caused by shiitake mushrooms. An Bras Dermatol. 2012 May-Jun;87(3):463-5. PubMed
  56. Pravettoni V, Primavesi L, Piantanida M. Shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes): a poorly known allergen in Western countries responsible for severe work-related asthma. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2014 Oct;27(5):871-4. PubMed
  57. Ricar J, Pizinger K, Cetkovska P. Shiitake dermatitis: a distinctive clinical entity. Int J Dermatol. 2013 Dec;52(12):1620-1. PubMed
  58. Shozushima M, Ohata K, Nonaka K, Matsuhashi N. Shiitake mushroom-induced ileus managed using double-balloon enteroscopy. Endoscopy. 2013;45 Suppl 2 UCTN:E437. PubMed
  59. Uslu U, Linkner RV. Shiitake mushroom dermatitis. Cutis. 2015 May;95(5):E11-2.
  60. Wang AS, Barr KL, Jagdeo J. Shiitake mushroom-induced flagellate erythema: A striking case and review of the literature. Dermatol Online J. 2013 Apr 15;19(4):5. DOI
  61. Tan J, Yuan K, Zuo J, et al. Two cases of small bowel obstruction due to a shiitake mushroom. Gastroenterol Rep (Oxf) 2019;7(4):298-300. doi: 10.1093/gastro/gox028. PubMed
  62. Boels D, Greillet C, Langrand J, et al. Shiitake dermatitis: experience of the Poison Control Centre Network in France from 2014 to 2019. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2022. PubMed
  63. Miyagishima D, Inoue M, Kinjo K, et al. A case of bowel obstruction due to shiitake mushrooms: Diagnostic features on computed tomography. Intern Med 2022. PubMed
  64. Soga K, Mukai H, Kitae H. Management of shiitake mushroom-induced ileus using balloon enteroscopy. Dig Endosc 2022;34(4):e58-e59. PubMed
  65. Ma JY, Liu JW. Shiitake flagellate dermatitis. Mayo Clin Proc 2022;97(12):2192-2193. PubMed
  66. Booms A, Rashid Z, Al-Rubaie V, Bal A. Shiitake dermatitis: a case report of a rare mushroom-induced dermatitis in the United States. Int J Dermatol 2022. PubMed
  67. Sudy E, Urbina F. Shiitake dermatitis: clinical forms of presentation. Int J Dermatol 2023. PubMed

See these in context on the Shiitake Mushroom monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Keep exploring
Supplement interaction checker › Check any supplement or product against your medications Drug–drug interactions › Check two or more of your medications against each other Browse medications A–Z › Every drug we've checked against herbs & supplements NDC & pricing lookup › Find a drug’s NDCs, packaging and costs Ask a pharmacist › Free, personal answer from our licensed team